WINNIPEG, Manitoba, May 3, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pet owners need to take proactive steps to protect their pets against Lyme Disease and heartworms, according to veterinarians at Best Friends Animal Hospital. The veterinary hospital is reminding pet owners that warmer weather means more time outside for pets, which increases their risk of exposure to the parasites that cause these diseases. Pet owners are being reminded to keep their pets on a monthly preventative medication. Best Friends Animal Hospital carries Revolution, Heartguard, Sentinel and Canine Advantix.
With warmer spring weather right around the corner, Best Friends Animal Hospital is reminding pet owners about the importance of heartworm and Lyme Disease prevention. Warmer weather means pets will spend more time outside, cautions the animal hospital, which increases the risk for exposure to the parasites that cause these diseases.
"While we recommend year-round heartworm, flea and tick prevention, you know that pet owners can sometimes let these preventative lapse during the winter months," said veterinarian Dr. Manjit Sra. "That's why we are reminding pet owners about the importance of these preventative medications. With spring right around the corner, pet owners need to take the necessary steps now to protect their pets against these diseases before they are exposed."
Dr. Sra recommends pet owners use a monthly medication to protect pets against the ticks that can carry Lyme Disease. Lyme Disease is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, which is carried by ticks. A dog becomes infected when a tick carrying the disease bites the dog. Infected dogs typically develop sore, painful joints and low-grade fevers. However, not all dogs will immediately develop these symptoms, which can make diagnosis difficult, warns Dr. Sra.
"The best way to treat Lyme Disease is to prevent it in the first place," said Dr. Sra. "Lyme Disease can have a serious impact on a dog's quality of life, causing health problems ranging from chronic inflammation that damages not just the joints, but also the kidneys and heart. The good news is that prevention is as easy and simple as a monthly topical application of Canine Advantix or another preventative."
Dr. Sra is also reminding pet owners about the importance of protecting their dogs against heartworm disease. Mosquitos carry heartworm larvae; if an infected mosquito bites a dog, the mosquito will pass along the larvae. The risk of heartworm transmission increases as the weather warms.
"Heartworms can affect dogs of all ages and breeds," said Dr. Sra. "As the parasite grows, it moves to the heart, eventually blocking the flow of blood and making it difficult to breathe. Dogs may wheeze and move slowly. These are late-stage symptoms, however, and at this point, treatment options are limited. Like with Lyme Disease, prevention is truly the best treatment."
Pet owners can learn more about Lyme Disease and heartworm prevention at http://bestfriendsvet.ca.